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Government commits to reducing antipsychotics for people with dementia

The Department of Health today committed to reduce the use of antipsychotics prescribed to people with dementia by two thirds by November 2011.

Speaking at the Department of Health conference, Improving Dementia Care, Paul Burstow, Minister of State for Care Services, also announced that the government would produce a plan on dementia research next year.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Nearly 150,000 people with dementia are currently having their lives put at risk because of dangerous antipsychotic medication. A large scale reduction in the scandalous levels of inappropriate prescription cannot come soon enough and we are delighted to see the government back up its previous assurances by setting a firm deadline.

'These drugs have been found to double the risk of death and treble the risk of stroke so ensuring this commitment is met is essential. As the Dementia Action Alliance has shown today with the launch of its National Dementia Declaration, tackling dementia and issues such as antipsychotics requires team work. Alzheimer's Society will do everything it can to support the Department of Health in this latest drive.'